The West Seneca man involved in a crash that killed off-duty Erie County Sheriff's Deputy Daniel McParlane last November has been sentenced to probation. Robert Styn, 62, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor DWI charges in April. On Wednesday, he was ordered to serve three years probation with numerous conditions.
State Supreme Court Judge Russell Buscaglia said it was a "rather unusual case."
Before sentencing, the prosecutor told the court even though it's a DWI case, it was McParlane's vehicle that slid into Styn's due to icy winter weather. Investigators determined that Styn's blood alcohol count was not a factor because it was McParlane's vehicle that lost control.
"It was a very well thought out decision and, as far as we're concerned, it was the proper one under all the circumstances," Styn's defense attorney James Vallone said.
Vallone says Styn has had some psychological issues and flashbacks.
"He has had to relive this accident. It's been very difficult for him," Vallone said.
Along with working for the Sheriff's Department, McParlane also served as chairman of the West Seneca Democratic Committee.